Flu.....what flu?

Before we left for our recent holiday, we were already fully aware that there was a flu pandemic, the ominous H1N1,.............and despite the warnings of fellow concerned family members we proceeded with our trip.

H1N1,...............it is just a flu for God's sake..............albeit a new strain,............and yes, people die from it, but then again.................other common strains of flu also create fatal victims, don't they?

Hong Kong smartened up from its bad SARS experience has gone all out to prevent this flu from spreading, even closing down all kindergartens and primary schools in the territory for a forthnight mid-June after 1 case of child-to-child infection of the said virus..............a bit harsh though as it took parents and guardians completely off guard, leaving many parents and kids in the lurch about daycare for the kids themselves as substitution, ..........but better be precautious....................and as regarding the homefront, Malaysia?

Ermmmm........how to put it in a tactile, diplomatic manner? Malaysia ofcourse hasn't been spared from the 'airborne' virus, and indeed, once again, measures that are in place are a bit halfhearted if you ask me. This week, there was an infection in a local primary school....and what did the authorities do? The Health Ministery send the class from which the 'contaminated' pupil came, packing home...........only that class? How about the whole school?.......Ofcourse there was a heated discussion started by concerned parents.........certainly the 'affected' kid must have been in contact with numerous other children at school....think of canteen, play area, library, toilets, hallways.......but the authorities were adamant that sufficient action had been taken to safeguard everybody's well being.

Yeah, right......'till another student of the same school, but from another class was diagnosed as having this particular strain of flu. The Health Dept. officers had to admit their mistake and suspend classes for the entire school for the following week.

As of today, another school which has amidst them an 'affected' student has been ordered to close its doors for one week. Is it a bit too late? That question is best answered by the authorities in question.

Taking precautionary actions ourselves we have pulled our little dragon from school for one week...........remember that we've been in Hong Kong for a good forthnight......and knowing that the incubation period for H1N1 is stated at 7 days......we are maintaining a low, public profile for a week at least

Apart from the fact that hospitals and immigration departments are on high alert status ................it remains a fact that the majority of the population doesn't give a damn about this flu..........and public broadcasting channels are not doing an enough effort to hammer in the message of 'personal hygiene' to everyone, malls don't sufficiently provide handcleaning disinfecting stations for the shopping crowd, so in the end it's business as usual.

Sometimes I wonder whether being ignorant is a better option than being in the known......it provides a more carefree life indeed........have to take my hat off to the merry go attitude of the locals here......chapeau!!!